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News Bulletins 2010 |
Emergency preparation may not be possible for every individual, or for every type of emergency, but we cannot overstate the importance of preparedness planning. The U.S. federal government, along with many of our partners in the private sector, provides abundant resources for preparing your family for disasters. We encourage you to utilize these resources and prepare your family to the fullest extent you can.
If you live in a region prone to earthquakes, you are probably aware of the risks they pose. Knowing the risks within your community is the first step in evaluating the preparedness level of your family. DHS encourages you to research the potential risks in your area, evaluate how you should best respond, and prepare your family accordingly. Forethought and planning will help you make sound decisions during a crisis and keep your family safe.
Consider the following tips for preparing your family for emergencies:
· Find out what your community is doing to prepare for emergencies and volunteer.
· Visit the websites of organizations and government programs like Ready.gov, Citizen Corps, and the
National Safety Council and utilize the resources they provide.
· Subscribe to the free Citizen Corps news email service for community preparedness news and updates.
· Visit the website of the Home Safety Council to learn how you can make your home safer for you and your family.
· Take classes in lifesaving skills, such as CPR/AED and first aid, or in emergency response, such as CERT.
· Work with parent-teacher organizations to discuss how you can support their emergency plans and drills. The Office of Safe and Drug Free Schools and Readiness and Emergency Management for Schools will have information on school emergency preparedness and response.
· Help children prepare for emergencies at their own pace and maturity level.
Version 1.5 of the Measures Assessment Tool (MAT) table at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/CfC/MAT.pdf,
Version 1.3 of the table on ESRD Facilities V-Tags & Identifiers at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/CfC/GreenVTags.pdf,
Version 1.0 of a list of Helpful Web Sites for ESRD Surveyors (new) at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/CfC/HelpWeb.pdf,
Version 1.1 of the table on Dialysis Lab Tests At a Glance at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/CfC/PinkLabs.pdf,
Version 1.3 of the tables on Infection Control V-Tags and on Requirements for Isolation Room/Area at
http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/CfC/TanIsolation.pdf,
The table of Monitoring Guidelines for Water Purification and Distribution Systems and Dialysate (AAMI RD 52: Table 4) and a decision tree diagram for evaluation of culture results and corrective action at
http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/CfC/BlueAAMI.pdf,
Version 1.0 of the Chemical Contaminants in Water Used to Prepare Dialysate table and Water Flow System Diagram at
http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/CfC/BlueWater.pdf,
Version 1.2 of tables on Correlation Grid and Timelines for Patient Assessment and Plan of Care at
http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/CfC/LilacCMPA.pdf,
Version 1.2 of tables on Personnel Requirements and National Commercial Dialysis Technician Certification Organizations at
http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/CfC/GoldStaff.pdf, and
Version 1.0 of the document on Principles of Documentation Overview at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/CfC/CoralDocs.pdf.
Topic Index
Topic Index
AAKP Annual Awards Nominations
AAKP is seeking nominations for the Annual Awards they present at their Annual Convention, to individuals who have made a significant contribution to the renal community and commitment to the mission of AAKP. The Awards celebrate a physician, an AAKP member, a caregiver, a patient, and a patient or family member. Self-nominations are accepted and encouraged. For complete details, see
http://aakp.org/events/convention/2010/awards/.
There are earlier articles on Patient Meetings.
New Warning on Zocor (Simvastatin)
HIPAA Security Conference May 11-12 in Washington DC
The HHS Office for Civil Rights and the NIST Computer Security Division are pleased to announce the
Safeguarding Health Information: Building Assurance through HIPAA Security Conference will be held on May 11th and 12th 2010 at the Cohen Building Auditorium in Washington, DC. This conference will provide a forum to discuss the current health information security landscape, as well as practical strategies, tips, and techniques for implementing the requirements of the HIPAA Security Rule. Please visit the conference website
http://www.nist.gov/public_affairs/confpage/100511b.htm for more information and instructions on how to register.
There are earlier articles on HIPAA and on
Professional Meetings.
Boston Scientific Implantable Defibrillators Recall
The FDA has announced the recall of all Boston Scientific implantable defibrillators (ICDs) and cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillators (CTR-Ds). While there are no reported safety problems and therefore no reason to explant already-implanted devices, the FDA is reviewing changes that have been made before it approves the implantation of new devices. Product families include Cognis, Confient, Livian, Prizm, Renewal, Teligen, and Vitality. For details see http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/ucm205409.htm.
There are earlier articles on Defibrillator Recalls.
NANT Seminar April 25 in Portland
The Oregon NANT Chapter is presenting a free “Brown Bag Sunday” seminar in Portland on April 25, that will provide 7 free CEUs. Topics will include water treatment, nocturnal dialysis, acid concentration, heparin, and home hemodialysis. For details see
http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/N/NANTSeminar0410.pdf.
There are earlier articles on Professional Meetings.
CNSW Spring 2010 Educational Symposium April 22 in Issaquah WA
CNSW-NW will hold their Spring 2010 Educational Symposium in Issaquah WA on April 22. Topics will include dialysis without fear, challenging patients, end of life, depression, self-care, boundaries, bundling, and licensure. For full details see http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/N/CNSWSpring2010.pdf.
There are earlier articles on Professional Meetings.
Proposed Transplant Policy Changes
UNOS has published a proposed transplant policy change, and advises that the deadline for public comment will be April 16, 2010. The policy change concerns modification to data elements on Tiedi Forms. For details see
http://optn.transplant.hrsa.gov/policiesAndBylaws/publicComment/proposals.asp.
There are earlier articles on Transplants.
Plavix (Clopidogrel): New Boxed Warning
Fistula First Breakthrough Initiative 2009 Annual Report
The Fistula First Breakthrough Initiative’s 2009 Annual Report is now available, at
http://www.fistulafirst.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=Q7ZDEJHrhOk%3d&tabid=39.
There are earlier articles on Vascular Access.
New CMS Document on Emergency Procedures
CMS has published a document on Emergency and Disaster-Related Policies and Procedures That May Be Implemented Without Article 1135 Waivers. It includes a section specific to H1N1 emergencies, and sections applying to all emergencies. Find it at
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/H1N1/Downloads/H1N1_Medicare_FFS_Emergency_QsAs.pdf. We’ve also added a link from our Emergency page at
http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/E/emergency.htm.
There are earlier articles on Emergency Preparedness.
Baxter HomeChoice & HomeChoice PRO PD Systems Class I Recall
International Meeting on Angioaccess for Hemodialysis June 14-16
The French Society for Vascular Access and the Vascular Access Society are sponsoring a multilingual International Meeting on Angioaccess for Hemodialysis in Tours, France June 14-16, focusing on the nephrological, surgical, imaging, and endovascular management of dialysis fistulas and catheters, including a full-day breakout on central venous catheters. For details see http://www.angioaccesstours2010.org/.
There are earlier articles on Professional Meetings and on
Vascular Access.
NKF 2010 Spring Clinical Meetings April 13-17
The National Kidney Foundation will hold their 2010 Spring Clinical Meetings in Orlando April 13-17, featuring separate tracks for physicians, advanced practitioners, nurses and technicians, dietitians, and social workers. Details and deadlines for registration and lodging can be found at
http://www.kidney.org/news/meetings/clinical/index.cfm, including links to sign up for CME/CEUs, and to buy MP3 recordings of sessions at the 2009 Meetings. The “Advance Housing” deadline is March 5.
There are earlier articles on Professional Meetings and on
Continuing Education.
Annual Kidney Community Emergency Resonse Coalition (KCER) Summit April 13
In conjunction with the NKF Meetings described above, the Kidney Community Emergency Response Coalition will hold their Annual KCER Summit, on April 13. Find complete details at http://www.kcercoalition.com/summit.htm. KCER is also asking for nominations, before March 12, of individuals and organizations that have provided outstanding leadership and service in disaster preparedness and response.
There are earlier articles on Professional Meetings and on
Emergency Preparedness.
StatSpin Express 4 Centrifuge Model 510 Class I Recall
LifeScan OneTouch SureStep Blood Glucose Test Strips Recall
FDA Review of Avandia (rosiglitazone)
Five-Diamond Patient Safety Program
The Virginia and New England Networks have assembled a
“5-Diamond Patient Safety Program” with the intention of building a patient safety culture in every dialysis unit, promoting patient safety values, creating an awareness of patient safety issues, and helping dialysis facilities learn more about specific areas of patient safety. Their introductory press release is at
http://www.esrdnet5.org/5diamondptsafety/pressrelease.pdf. The original program included modules on Patient Safety Principles, Decreasing Patient-Provider Conflict, Emergency Preparedness, Infection Control, Influenza Vaccination, Medication Reconciliation, Missed Treatments, Sharps Safety, and Slips, Falls, and Trips. They’ve recently added three new modules, on Health Literacy, Patient Self-Managed Care, and Stenosis Surveillance. All twelve modules, and program details, can be found at http://www.esrdnet5.org/5Diamond.asp. Each module includes all the tools and resources necessary to implement the patient safety concept. The program is endorsed by ANNA and RPA. We’ve also added a link from the QI page on our website, at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/QI/QI.htm#sfty.
There are earlier articles on Patient Safety, on
Vascular Access, on
Emergency Preparedness, and on
Quality Improvement.
AAKP 2010 Annual Convention in Tampa in September
The AAKP Annual Convention will be held September 2-4, 2010 in Tampa, Florida. The convention will have three separate tracks, one on CKD (pre-dialysis), one on dialysis, and one on transplantation. For details, including the call for topics and/or presentations, see http://www.aakp.org/events/convention.
There are earlier articles on Patient Meetings.
FDA Drug Safety Notice on ESAs
The FDA and Amgen have notified healthcare professionals and patients that all ESAs must be used under a REMS risk management program. As part of the risk management program, a Medication Guide explaining the risks and benefits of ESAs must be provided to all patients receiving an ESA. Under the ESA APPRISE Oncology program, Amgen will ensure that only those hospitals and healthcare professionals who have enrolled and completed training in the program will prescribe and dispense ESAs to patients with cancer. Amgen is also required to oversee and monitor the program to ensure that hospitals and healthcare professionals are fully compliant with all aspects of the program. FDA is requiring a REMS because studies show that ESAs can increase the risk of tumor growth and shorten survival in patients with cancer who use these products. Studies also show that ESAs can increase the risk of heart attack, heart failure, stroke or blood clots in patients who use these drugs for other conditions. Read the complete MedWatch 2010 Safety summary including links to the Drug Safety Communication and current Prescribing Information for these products, at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/ucm200391.htm.
There are earlier articles on EPO Use.
December 2009 AVF-in-Use Rate at 64.5%
The Network as a whole finished 2009 with a 64.5% AVF-in-use rate, 1.5 percentage points short of the 66% CMS and Network goal. CMS is adding vascular access information to billing records,
in order to allow AVF and catheter rates to be included in future reimbursement calculations (see
http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/news_bulletins10A.htm#qip2g). You can keep track of monthly Network AVF progress at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/fist1st/fist1st.htm#progress.
There are earlier articles on Vascular Access.
New FFBI Resource on "Listen for the Bruit"
The Fistula First Breakthrough Initiative has added a new section on “Listen for the Bruit” to Change Concept #9 on the Fistula First website, at
http://www.fistulafirst.org/HealthcareProfessionals/FFBIChangeConcepts/ChangeConcept9.aspx.
There are earlier articles on Vascular Access.
New Buttonhole Online Seminar
We’ve added a new free online seminar, or Web-ex, on “Improving Buttonhole Cannulation,” at http://www.qirn3.org/rn/default.aspx. The link to the seminar is in the bottom right corner of the page.
There are earlier articles on Vascular Access.
New CMS Billing Requirements Effective July 1, 2010
In order to satisfy the quality-based payment program provisions of MIPPA, CMS will begin on July 1, 2010 to collect Kt/V, infection, and vascular access data on all ESRD claims. For details, see http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/N/CMSreQIP2010Feb.pdf.
There are earlier articles on Reimbursement, on
Quality Improvement, and on
Conditions for Coverage.
Cardiac Science AED Recalls: Powerheart, CardioVive, CadioLife
The FDA has announced a recall of Powerheart models 9300A, 9300E, 9300P, 9390A, and 9390E; CardioVive model 92532; and CardioLife models 9200G and 9231 defibrillators, all made by Cardiac Science Corporation, because they may fail to function. For more information see
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/ucm200138.htm.
There are earlier articles on Defibrillator Recalls.
New CKD Education Tool
The National Kidney Foundation has constructed a free patient education program on CKD stage 4 called
“Your Treatment, Your Choice.” The program is designed to satisfy Medicare reimbursement requirements for the MIPPA kidney education benefit. See http://www.kidney.org/professionals/KLS/YTYC.cfm for more information, and to order a copy.
There are earlier articles on Reimbursement, on
CKD, and on
Patient Education.
Psychosocial Tools and Resources Updated
NKF Patient & Community Education Symposium, Portland, March 14, 2010
The 2010 NKF Patient & Community Education Symposium will be held in Portland, Oregon on March 14, 2010. The conference and lunch are free to people with kidney disease, their care partners, and family members, though pre-registration is advised due to space limitations. Topics include Treatment Choices, Self-Advocacy, Peer Empowerment, Transplants, Lessons in Living with Kidney Disease, and Top Ten Things NOT to Do at Dialysis. Conference brochure, with schedule, timelines, map, inspirational encouragement, and registration instructions, can be found at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/P/NKFPCPtld310.pdf.
There are earlier articles on Patient Education and on
Patient Meetings.
Medicare 2010 Contractor Provider Satisfaction Survey
CMS is also conducting its annual Medicare Contractor Provider Satisfaction Survey. Randomly selected facilities have received a letter asking them to provide information on their satisfaction with their financial intermediary. Find more information at
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/opendoorforums/15_odf_esrd.asp (third paragraph).
There are earlier articles on Reimbursement.
Open Door Forum on New Clinical Performance Measures
CMS is convening six Technical Expert Panels to define new target quality measures for Catheter Infection Rate, Serum Ferritin, Transferrin Saturation, Calcium, Phosphorus, Pediatric Adequacy, Pediatric Anemia Management, and Fluid Weight Management. Nominations, including self-nominations, will be accepted until February 17, 2010 at
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/apps/QMIS/CallforTEP.asp. For more information, including nominee qualifications, see
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/opendoorforums/15_odf_esrd.asp.
There are earlier articles on Clinical Performance Measures and on
Quality Improvement.
Edwards Lifesciences Aquarius HD System Recall
Haitian Culture and Clinical Care
Disaster Preparedness Information from FEMA
FEMA has prepared a website tabulating, for each state, contact information for local emergency preparedness agencies, and providing preparedness information and links on the types of disasters that are likely to occur in that state. The website can be found at
http://www.ready.gov/america/local/index.html. We’ve added a link from our Emergency Preparedness page at
http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/E/emergency.htm. FEMA provides the following introduction:
The images from Haiti continue to illustrate the devastating impact of natural disasters. The U.S.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is working hard to support the international response effort to help our neighbors recover from this tragedy.
There are earlier articles on Emergency Preparedness.
· Visit the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) website and click any state to see the common local risks and how to best respond.
If you are seeking information on family members in Haiti, contact: U.S. Department of State 1-888-407-4747. For more information on how you can help the ongoing response and recovery efforts in Haiti, visit www.usaid.gov/haiti.
Involuntary Discharge Notification Requirements
The Conditions for Coverage require all facilities to notify both the Network and your State Survey Agency, within specified time parameters, of all involuntary discharges and transfers. We would like to remind facilities of the document Notifying the Network of Involuntary Discharges and Involuntary Transfers, available at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/G/Involuntary.pdf. This document was created to assist dialysis facilities in complying with the requirements of the CfC and Survey Interpretative Guidelines. It is also intended to assist facilities in understanding what the Network will be requesting in order for it to fulfill Network goals and the terms of its current CMS Contract.
There are earlier articles on Conflict Resolution and on
Conditions for Coverage.
Mikro and Haematokrit Centrifuge Recall
The FDA has announced the recall of plastic rotors in Mikro 12-24, Mikro 20, Haematokrit 20 and Haematokrit 24 bench top centrifuges, because the rotors can become projectiles that can damage the surrounding area and cause serious injury. For details see
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm198490.htm.
Nipro GlucoPro Insulin Syringe Recall
The FDA has announced a recall of all Nipro GlucoPro Insulin Syringes because their needles may detach from the syringe. The recall includes all syringes with expiration dates before 2011-11 (November 1, 2011). You are advised to return them to point of sale for reimbursement. For details see
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/ucm198445.htm.
There are earlier articles on Insulin-Related Recalls.
ev3 Trailblazer Catheter Class I Recall
CROWNWeb Online Seminars
Project CROWNWeb has prepared a series of six “WebEx” online seminars. Topics include An Independent Facility Perspective, Batch Submission Process, Clinical Performance Measures, Vascular Access: What You Need to Know, Tips and Tricks from the Real World, and Two-Factor Authentication. Seminar information and registration is available at http://www.projectcrownweb.org/crown/presentations.php.
There are earlier articles on CROWNWeb.
Resources on Patient Adherence
The Indianapolis Network has created a web page with an extensive list of resources to help facility staff promote patient adherence. The list includes staff tools, patient handouts, and articles. The list can be found at
http://www.therenalnetwork.org/services/non-adherence.php. We're adding the link to our Social Worker page at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/SW/SW.htm.
There are earlier articles on Communication and on
Patient Education.
H1N1 Vaccine Status Letter from FDA
The FDA Commissioner, Dr. Margaret Hamburg, has issued a letter to healthcare practitioners describing the current status of the H1N1 "swine" flu, and vaccine safety. She continues to advocate vaccination of people at high risk from flu and its complications. The letter can be found at
http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/PublicHealthFocus/ucm197733.htm.
There are earlier articles on Pandemic Influenza.
Disaster Prep Article Added to Network Website
We've added a link to an article called "Dialysis Chains Prepare for Disaster," from
Renal and Urology News, to the Emergency Preparedness page of the Network website
(http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/E/emergency.htm), and recommend the article as a review of your own disaster preparedness. Find the article at http://www.renalandurologynews.com/dialysis-chains-prepare-for-disaster/article/123903/.
There are earlier articles on Emergency Preparedness.
Rapamune/Sirolimus Prescribing Information Changes
New AVF Change Concepts
The Fistula First Breakthrough Initiative has added two new "Change Concepts" to their list. The FFBI Change Concepts are foundation stones for a dialysis access strategy that minimizes morbidity, mortality, and cost. The Change Concepts are listed on our Fistula First web page at
http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/fist1st/fist1st.htm#staff, and detailed on the FFBI website at http://www.fistulafirst.org/Professionals/FFBIChangeConcepts.aspx. The new Change Concepts include one on CKD and one on self-management.
There are earlier articles on Vascular Access.
State Survey Expectations Documents for Dialysis Facilities Updated
We’ve received updated versions of the documents describing Dialysis Facility State Survey Expectations under the New Conditions for Coverage, and placed them on the Network website, at
http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/CfC/Survey.htm. They include:
Version 1.2 of the Outline of the Basic Survey Process at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/CfC/SurveyProcess.pdf,
There are earlier articles on Survey & Certification, on
Conditions for Coverage, and on
Water Treatment.
Spanish-Language Version of Free Educational Material Order Form
We’ve added a Spanish-language version of our ordering form for free educational material to our website. You can find it at
http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/P/gratuitos.pdf. The English equivalent is at
http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/P/FreeEdMats.pdf.
There are earlier articles on Patient Education.
Network Consumer News on Keeping Your Access Uncovered
We’ve mailed out a new Network Consumer News issue on Keeping Your Access Uncovered. You can find it at
http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/P/NCN/NCNv3.3.pdf (two-page) and
http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/P/NCN/NCNv3.3Big.pdf (large-print). The mailing includes an update of The Role of the Network in Handling Complaints and Grievances, in English (http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/G/NetworkRole.pdf) and Spanish
(http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/G/QuejasProtestas.pdf), and of course a word search puzzle
(http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/P/NCN/SeePuzzle.pdf). Find the catalog of all our Network Consumer News issues at
http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/P/NCN.htm.
There are earlier articles on Vascular Access and on
Network Consumer News.
National Influenza Vaccination Week January 10-15
Though the H1N1 “Swine” flu seems to have subsided for now, most dialysis patients are actually at greater risk for “normal” flu, which remains in season. The
CDC web page on National Influenza Vaccination Week, January 10-16, 2010, is at
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/NIVW/index.htm. It contains a number of resources to help develop a vaccination campaign. In particular,
Tuesday January 12 is set aside for vaccination of “people with chronic health conditions that put them at high risk of serious influenza-related complications.”
There are earlier articles on Immunization and on
Pandemic Influenza.
Topic Index Page updated August 30, 2010